Rules for the competition state: "Your idea needs to be 2D animation; it must be 30 seconds or shorter; it can't have dialogue; it can't have music; it can't have brands or commercials; it must conform to broadcast standards; and it must use all five family members.

"Other than that, the only limit is your imagination."

The winning entry is likely to be broadcast in May 2013.

The Simpsons, which began in 1989, is the longest-running animated comedy show of all time, with more than 500 episodes broadcast.